Let Them Go launches ICE detention short film during World Cup quarterfinals

The Let Them Go campaign has released “ICE Ball,” a short film timed to the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals to highlight children and families held in ICE detention near host cities. The campaign says the film is meant to draw global attention to immigrant families as the tournament reaches its most watched stage.

Why it matters: - The film aims to connect the World Cup’s global spotlight with the treatment of immigrant families and children held in ICE detention. - The campaign says the issue is unfolding near some host stadiums, making the contrast between celebration and detention especially stark. - The release is timed for the tournament’s final phase, when global attention is highest.

What happened: - The Let Them Go campaign released a new short film, “ICE Ball,” on July 10, 2026, as the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals got underway. - The film centers on a boy who loves soccer but cannot watch the tournament because he is in ICE custody at a detention camp. - Minuto 90 leads the campaign with Brave of Us, an alliance of civil society organizations focused on immigrant families and communities.

The details: - The campaign says “ICE Ball” shows a child held in detention while World Cup matches unfold only miles away. - The release says the tournament is taking place in the same country, and often near the same cities, where families and children are being detained. - The campaign cites Department of Homeland Security data obtained through FOIA requests and says the data show an estimated more than 100 children behind bars. - Minuto 90 describes itself as an international football-focused digital media platform working at the intersection of football, society, and culture. - The campaign frames soccer as a force for unity, courage, and collective joy. - The campaign’s message is explicit: “Let Them Go.” - The film can be viewed and shared at Watch and share ICE Ball. - The campaign’s Instagram account is @letthemgo.wc2026. - Brave of Us is listed as an alliance partner at Alliance partner information.

Between the lines: - The campaign is using one of the world’s most visible sports moments to push a political and human-rights message. - The timing suggests an attempt to turn fan attention into public pressure as the tournament reaches its most decisive matches. - The short film uses a child-centered story to personalize a broader immigration detention debate.

What’s next: - The campaign is urging fans to share the film as the World Cup continues. - Minuto 90 says the goal is to focus global attention on immigrant families and children during the tournament’s final stage. - Media contact: Matías Jullian, matiasjullian@mi90.com. - Felipe Heusser of Minuto 90 can be reached at +56 9 3410 4318. - Minuto 90’s social channel is Minuto 90 on Instagram.